The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has formally demanded transparency and accountability from the Eket chapter of the Host Community Trust Fund for Eket, Mkpat Enin, Onna, Ikot Abasi, Mbo, Esit Eket and Eastern Obolo (EMOIMEE) following complaints from residents about a lack of openness in local development projects.
CHRAN Director Otuekong Franklyn Isong made the call at a press conference in the organisation’s conference hall in Uyo, where the centre also reviewed its activities for the year as part of efforts to deepen democratic governance in Nigeria. The centre said it was compelled to act after receiving multiple concerns from residents of Eket Local Government Area.
EMOIMEE transparency in Eket explained
In line with the Freedom of Information Act 2011, CHRAN sent a formal letter dated 19 November 2025 to the Board of Trustees’ representative for the NNPC/SEPLAT Joint Venture, EMOIMEE Eket Chapter, requesting comprehensive details of the chapter’s operations in the area. The centre requested a full list of projects executed in Eket Local Government Area and their locations, so that residents can verify whether interventions match community needs.
CHRAN also asked for particulars of scholarships awarded by EMOIMEE, including the names of beneficiaries. The organisation requested a list of contractors engaged by the chapter, together with copies of their Corporate Affairs Commission registration certificates. In addition, CHRAN sought information on other locally targeted interventions carried out by the Eket chapter since its inception.
Isong said the request was made under Section 3 of the FOI Act, noting that host communities and public interest organisations have a statutory right to access information on projects and funds intended for community development. He stressed that the centre prefers constructive engagement and is urging EMOIMEE to respond promptly to the information request.
“Openness in project execution and resource management is essential to strengthen democratic governance and ensure that development interventions benefit people at the grassroots,” Isong said. He added that timely disclosure will help build trust between the trust fund administrators and host communities.
Observers say that transparency demands of this kind can improve oversight and reduce the risk of misallocation. By asking for project lists, beneficiary names and contractor documentation, CHRAN aims to enable residents and civil society to verify that commitments made on paper translate into tangible benefits on the ground.
The Eket chapter of EMOIMEE has not publicly responded to the letter at the time of CHRAN’s press briefing. CHRAN reiterated its willingness to engage constructively with the chapter and other stakeholders to ensure that development interventions are properly implemented and accountable to the people they are meant to serve.
As local and national actors await EMOIMEE’s response, the case highlights the role of civil society in demanding transparency and the potential of the FOI Act to promote good governance in Nigeria’s resource-hosting communities.
Key Takeaways:
- CHRAN calls for EMOIMEE transparency in Eket amid community complaints about project opacity.
- The centre invoked the Freedom of Information Act and formally requested project lists, scholarship details and contractor records.
- CHRAN urged prompt disclosure to build trust and ensure development funds reach grassroots beneficiaries.
